Monthly Archives: June 2010

Come by Me

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This weekend, in a word: Whirlwind.

In many words…

* Harry Connick Jr, who is his own set of words such as amazing, talented, sexy, fantastic, handsome, hilarious, personable, sweet, excellent perfomer, wonderful dancer. He played one of my favorite songs, which happens to be the title of this post, near the end of his set; if someone sang like this to me on the streets of NOLA or anywhere else, for that matter, I’d be putty in their hands. It’s been four years that I’ve been trying to go to his show and let me tell you, worth every penny.

* The Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure, a total of 70,000+ men and women walking/running/wheelchairing for a cure for Breast Cancer; awe inspiring, tear inducing, united. My nextdoor neighbor and I ventured out of the house at 6:30 am on a Saturday morning, dressed in pink and smiles, ready to walk the 5k track in celebration of those who have survived and in memory of those who are no longer with us. I walked for my Great Aunt Nancy who battled breast cancer several times in her life and despite her strongwill, she couldn’t beat it. It was a hot sticky day but at each street corner there were performers there to greet us including a 12 year old who rocked his electric guitar, an Irish band who had us doing a jig and random Harley Davidson men and women who had classic rock blasting from the stereo. (Pictures to follow later this week.)

* Circus Flora. A local StL Tradition since the late 1980s and a family tradition since we moved here in the mid 1990s. You can’t beat a one-tent circus where no seat is further than 50 or so feet from the excitement. Despite the heat (the a/c in the tent was cutting it), I enjoyed my cherry & coconut sno-cone, the fourth row seats, the amazing feats of acrobatic and physical talent the men, women and children displayed yesterday. Bonus: My dad was invited to participate in the circus by Nino, the head clown. His job: to conduct the orchestra. Fortunately my dad is a performer outside of his daily 8-5 job so he embraced the roll, had the crowd laughing and received about 100 compliments after the show (no joke). Look for a post later this week with a few Circus Flora pics and my experience with audience participation involving yours truly later this week.

* Naptime, rain, True Blood and the A*Team. There was a lot of rain this weekend, which meant I took advantage of a few naps. How can one not take a nap when it’s thundering and lightning outside? It’s like Mother Nature is just urging you to close your eyes and doze off a bit, which in my case turned into nearly two hours. After all the live entertainment of the weekend, I needed my daily dose of Hollywood as well which I received thanks to the A*Team (hilarious, entertaining and really awesome special effects) and True Blood (which I felt was rather blah but I guess they need to set up the rest of the season?).  And rain, oh, the rain. We got stuck in a gale like winds on our way home from the circus on Sunday rendering our wipers defenseless against the sheets of rain and hail that decided to fall from the sky.

(And for those who were asking, no nose ring yet, but it’s coming. Likely this weekend.)

Your turn: tell me anything you like (or didn’t like) about your weekend!

Nora Confessions Part IX

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View all previous installments here.

* I’ve had a .50 overdue fee at the library for the last two years. It’s finally paid.

* I’m pretty sure I have more celebrity crushes than I do real life crushes (Aksel Lund Svindal, Evan Lysacek, Russell Brand, Adam Braverman, Puck.) I hope this doesn’t make me too pathetic.

* When I go to concerts of my absolute favorite artists/bands, I dress up, just in case they see me and decide to invite me on stage.

* I think I have a marginally addictive personality when it comes to TV shows, book series, and exercise.

* I”m 26 and I need the TV on in the background, a glass of water next to my bed, and something in my arms if I’m going to be able to fall asleep.

* I gave up ballet and tap  at the end of my 8th grade year; this may be my one regret.

* In the last few months I’ve gone shopping for several baby showers. On more than one occasion I’ve broken down in tears, afraid that I may never get to that point in my life. Thank goodness for sunglasses.

* Some days when my knee is really bothering me, I yell at it. Probably counterproductive, but it makes me feel a tiny bit better.

* I think I’m getting a nose ring this weekend pending available appointments and the kind of ring I can have in while healing.

* I really, really want to visit Disney again.

* I’m a sentimental sap about certain possessions: t-shirts, books, jewelry, even if I don’t wear it or use it, I can’t bring myself to rid of it it’s from a family member.

* I have knitting needles and yarn but no idea what to do with them. I also have a baby blanket which I started cross-stitching that’s about 25 % finished; I started it over three years ago.

* Some days I’d rather read blogs than work.

* I’ve found myself getting annoyed with the rain. Me, the girl who used to call her blog “Walking through the Rain,” is getting frustrated with the weather. This is most unusual.

Anything on your mind today that you wish to confess?

Be sure to check back next week for another book giveaway and updates on my weekend (Harry Connick Jr Concert, Race for the Cure, and a local one-tent circus)!

Why I am…*

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… in love with live music.

I grew up in a music household; The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Otis Redding and countless other artists and bands, all on vinyl, would often serve as my alarm when I was a young child. To this day there’s nothing quite like the sound of The Beatles on a crackly record, a little bit of a grainy sound, a whole lot of heart and soul.

As technology changed, so did the sound of the music in our house. CDs, surround sound, HD radio.

My dad has been in a band for as long as I can remember; a master of the bass, he is. My brother followed suit with violin, cello, stand-up orchestra bass and (regular) bass. They both have unspoken contests to see who can own more musical equipment. My mother is a lark on a piano and I myself have dabbled in flute, piccolo and piano.

While I may not be as musically talented as the rest of my family, there is one thing I can always appreciate: live music. I attended my first concert my sophomore year in high school, though throughout the years I caught a few on TV (like The New Kids on the Block in 1990 which my mom made me turn it off because the Wahlberg was taking his shirt off… I was only seven so it was deemed inappropriate. Funny how I still remember that). At any rate, after my first concert, I started to crave the experience.

I’ve seen a variety of concerts over the years:

* PointFest: a huge moshpit and boozefest with tons of rocker bands but oh so amazing. The Urge, They Might Be Giants, Cowboy Mouth were my favorites that year.  * Memphis in May (2003) : Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Maroon 5, Willie Nelson, Nappy Roots, Wilco, Seether, Evanesence and much, much more. (This is when I fell in love with Memphis and smuggling cameras into shows). * Dave Matthews Band, nine or ten times and counting. If you don’t believe in love and world peace, attend a DMB show. That will surely convert you. * Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Purely for the experience. Not a huge fan of his music but a great crowd. * Cher. Tickets were $20. I was a senior in college. Total win-win, plus the Village Boys were the opening act. Turns out she puts on a fabulous show. * Pearl Jam. AMAZING live. There was a lady who was signing the entire event for a deaf child and Eddie Veder brought her on stage, sang to her and then she got his shirt. * The Killers. Just wow. * The Decemberists. I didn’t love them at first, but this converted me. * Hinder, Finger Eleven. Went with a friend, fell for Finger Eleven. * The Goo Goo Dolls. Random, right? * Journey, the new version. * The Counting Crows; always wanted to see them in concert and they were totally amazing and awe-inspiring. * Def Leppard, went mostly to hear “Pour Some Sugar” live. * Chuck Berry: a St. Louis Legend. He still performs every six weeks and I’d love to go see him again.  * Live.  * Jason Mraz. * The Blackeyed Peas. All thanks to Live on the Levee, a free concert series each summer. I also saw some repeats through this including John Mayer and Sheryl Crow. * Backstreet Boys. * New Kids on the Block. * Jimmy Buffet. * The Police. * The Black Crowes. * Stomp!

It’s true that sometimes I go to a concert purely for the experience, not because I’m totally in love with the band/music/performer.

It’s a total package deal: The lights. The crowd. The oneness. The feeling that if you can get all these people in one space to appreciate music, surely we can learn to appreciate one another more. The music. The rocking out. The humidity that is synonmous with our outdoor amphitheater. The merchandise booth (it may be overpriced but I almost always purchase a memento from the event). The feeling of invincibility listening to music you love or at the very least can appreciate. After this Friday I’ll be adding Harry Connick Jr to the list of concerts I’ve seen; I’ve been hoping to see him for the last three years.

Are you a concert person? Favorite concert of all time? Any artists on your must-see list?

* Title of this post borrowed from one of Dave Matthew’s Bands songs on his latest album, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. All Photos linked to their origin via weheartit.com

Why Men Date…

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… Bitches.

I was told a few weeks ago that I needed to purchase this book and read it immediately.**
That I’m a doormat but if I read this book, I can be a dreamgirl if I become a bitch.
And once I’m a dreamgirl , I’ll be able to snag any guy I want. And if I want to marry him? There’s a book for that, too.

I confess, I’m a traditional, nice, ”girl next door,” kind of person. Yes, I care if a guy has a bad day, what kind of food he likes, if he calls and I’m free, I’ll answer. If I’m busy, I’ll call him back. I admit I like to bake, cook, do thoughtful things for the guy I date. Not right away of course- it takes time for me to trust, to let my walls down, for the guy to earn the right, if you will, to see that side of me.  I do not, however, smother the guy in texts, lovey emails, incessant phone calls, random drop-ins. If I don’t like how I’m being treated I’ll speak up; if it can’t be fixed then I’ll move on.

I haven’t read this book; I’m not sure that I ever will. I’m sure part of the book is written in jest and part of the book is written to protect women, to keep us from getting hurt, to get us to play the game. Hate the game, don’t hate the players, I guess. I picked up the book at Barnes & Noble, flipped through the pages, read the back cover. It’s written in a humorous light but the jist: Play the game harder than you’ve ever played it before. Ignore the guy. Reject his advances. Then he’ll want to be with you.

The thing is, I’ve been screwed over, more times than I care to admit so you’d think I’d be a perfect candidate for a book like this. We’re talking cheated on, stabbed in the back, lied to, used, stood up, let down and a handful of other things, all in about five years of dating (a few long-term relationships thrown in there of course.) But you know what? That doesn’t change who I am. It doesn’t make me want to play more games when it comes to dating. I am not comfortable with advice that tells me I should be something I’m not: I can’t be a bitch when dating. It’s not my nature. What’s the point of pretending to be something you’re not? The charade will have to end at some point and then what happens? Left at square one all alone? (If you saw The Ugly Truth, you know what I mean. Katharine Heigl played a charade and it didn’t end well.)

I don’t see how telling a lie and acting like a false version of yourself can be good for any sort of meaningful relationship in the long run. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe it will take me a long time to meet someone who appreciates me for me, but that’s what I want. The strong, independent, sometimes funny, caring, emotional at times, family-oriented, dog-loving, hippie/preppy woman that I am. The woman who sometimes can care too much but would rather care too much and be herself then pretend her whole life.

I don’t want to be a bitch, a liar. I want to be me. I want to be real. I want the man I spend the rest of my life with to see me for who I am, not some falsified dreamgirl. Maybe that statement right there makes me the doormat, but so be it. I know what I want, I know who I am, and telling me to be a bitch to get a guy? It’s just not happening. I’d rather be me and alone then a trapped in a lie for the rest of my life.  

So, what do you think? Is it necessary to be a bitch to attract a man? What’s the best/worst dating advice you’ve ever received?

** The funny thing is about the gal who recommended the book to me? She’s pining after her ex-boyfriend who treated her better than the guy she’s currently dating. She snagged her current boyfriend after reading Why Men Date Bitches, but she’s not totally enthralled with him.

Letters: Russell Brand, Fish Wire, Libraries, Knees and more

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Dear Russell Brand,

Thank you for being hilarious in Get Him to the Greek. After wrestling with advanced corporate finance for a day, it was just what I needed. I’ve developed a new crush on you, your accent and your eyeliner-wearing self. Please do a comedy tour and come to StL.

With adoration,
Nora

*************

To: Rude, Loud Neighbor
From: Nora, the eternal Hippie

It has recently come to my attention that you have strung fishing wire above your pool and deck area in an attempt to keep (trap?) ducks from coming into your pool area. We live in suburbia with trees, ponds, shrubs so it’s only natural that we will have ducks. It’s one thing to not like them; it’s an entirely different beast if you try to kill/harm them. Have you thought about the noise, pain and mess the ducks will make if they are trapped? I’m incredibly disgusted. Animals were here first, then humans. Consider that before you continue to concrete your entire backyard.

*************

Attention: Left Knee

It’s been about five weeks of physical therapy and overall, you’re showing great signs of improvement. I appreciate your cooperation and willingness to work hard to allow me to exercise again. However, this little bit of inflamation and setback for no good reason? It’s not ok. Exercise is my release. It’s how I get through the work weeks. Sure, I’m learning to cope in other ways but let’s commit to getting 100% better. I’d like to run a few 5ks later this summer, so let’s work towards that shall we? Keep up the good work and keep the eye on the prize.

Yours in Exercise,
Nora

*************

Dear St. Louis Libraries:

I’m pretty excited about the adult reading challenge you have in place this summer. Chances to win Barnes & Noble gift cards? Sign me up. I also love that you have a book club and have increased the new releases section. My only request: plesae be open on Sundays and maybe consider some outdoor seating for the lovely summer nights we have?

Always,
Book Addict

************

To: Summer
From: Nora

Please don’t disappear within a blink of an eye. My weekends now through mid-July are filling up and sadly my days are spent within the walls of corporate America but I’d really like to have some lazy summer days and really enjoy you. Try to stick around as long as you can.

************

Dear Jack,

Your sixth birthday is coming up in July. I can’t believe we’ve shared six years together already; you’ve been such a loving, happy, spunky, adorable dog. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and waiting for me by the door each evening. Adopting you was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.

Love,

Your Dog Mamma

***********

Any letters you want to write today?

Recipe: Oatmeal Carmelitas

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I mentioned earlier this week that one of my favorite dishes to bake is the Oatmeal Carmelitas. It’s simple, delicious and lasts for days. Since several of you asked for the recipe, here you go!

Base:
2 cups all-purpose flour (I’ve also done 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour and retained same taste results)
2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups margarine or butter, softened. (Nora’s Note: I don’t ever use margarine, only butter. Organic butter at that. Salted is preferable than unsalted.)

Filling:
1 cup caramel ice cream topping (preferably not fat free or low-fat as it’s too runny. Make sure to get the hot caramel, not the caramel flavored topping.)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I tend to use a little more chocolate chips than this)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) (Nora’s Note: Being allergic to most tree nuts, I skip this portion of the recipe, hence the additional chocolate chips.)

Preparation:
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13 x 9 inch pan. 
 
In large bowl, combine all the base ingredients; mix at low speed until crumbly.
Reserve half of crumb mixture (approx 3 cups) for topping. Press remaining crumb mixturen in bottom of greased pan. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes.

While the bottom base is baking, combine caramel topping and 3 tablespoons flour. Remove partially baked base from oven, sprinkle with chocolate chip and nuts. Drizzle evenly with caramel mixture; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

Bake at 350F for 18-22 minutes (it’s closer to 22 usually) until top is golden brown and caramel is slightly bubbling.

So that you can devour them:

Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled; refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or until filling is set. Cut into bars. It claims the yield is 36 bars, but that would be really sweet and overkill for the tastebuds and the waistline. You can get double that if you cut them smaller.  Use a knife dipped in cold water when cutting the bars; keeps the caramel from sticking to the knife as you go.  I highly recommend keeping the bars chilled and in an airtight container. If they are at room temperature, the caramel will start to melt and it’s get messy fast.

Serving Suggestions:

* Excellent when chilled; chewy caramel plus crumbly base and chocolate? Divine.
* Heat a bar for 15 seconds in the microwave; top with half a scoop (or more) of French Vanilla Ice Cream. Scrumptious.
* These bars are excellent for cookie/bar exchanges; just make sure to wrap each one in wax paper.
Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Bon Appetit!

Holidays

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Holiday weekends are for…

… going to a midnight showing of Sex and the City 2, ignoring the bad reviews because we all know sequels aren’t as good as the first, loving the fashion, the underlying tones in the movie, giggling with the girls, and indulging in a $10 cosmopolitan. Don’t forget the fact that we dressed up and shamelessly took photos while we waited in line for the movie.

… sleeping until noon as much as possible, even if your body only allows you to do it once.

… disconnecting from all things technology including blogs, gmail, work email (well, ok, I checked it once), twitter, phone calls, online classes.  

… finding new tv shows to be addicted to, even if  only for the weekend but realizing you kind of want to watch the entire season. (I’m looking at you, Drop Dead Diva.)

… treating yourself to late snacks just like you were in high school. On the menu: Doritos, an ice cold Coca-Cola, cookies.

… taking advantage of the sales at the mall to buy a few new fabulous pieces of everyday jewelry, possibly including a faux black diamond ring a la John James Preston III.

… meditating on the big life questions, maybe getting nowhere, maybe getting somewhere.  

… finishing a book that you really, really wanted to read (Kingdom Keepers III) and being ok with putting down a book that’s not grabbing you, at least for now (Swimming).

… giving yourself a pep talk: only eight more weeks of finance and you’re done with the subject forever. Only 16 weeks before you’re 100% done with school. FOREVER.

… wrapping up loose ends around the house: cleaning, filing, organizing, trashing.

… baking the classics: chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal carmelitas.

… wishing that it wasn’t necessary work everyday, 8 to 5 (and then some) because the feeling of freedom, being able to do whatever you want whenever you want is just so amazing.

… hugging your family members, catching up with neighbors and friends, penning notes to others.

… remembering those who have sacrificed their lives, families, loves and so much more for our country and freedoms.

… going on long walks with the dog and your sibling, talking about everything and nothing at the same time.

… making some mid-year resolutions with yourself regarding personal health, wealth, and overall goals.

How do you spend your holiday weekends?